NEWSLETTER #93 MARCH 2021
USS ALBACORE (AGSS 569)
NEWSLETTER #93
March 2021
Shipmate,
PORTSMOUTH, NH. – Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association (PSMA) and Albacore Park Museum 569 Submarine Way, a National Historic Landmark Site in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is pleased to kick off their Remote Winter Lecture series. These lectures are funded and sponsored by New Hampshire Humanities To-Go program. All lectures will be held in the Zoom platform and reservations are required.
Thursday, March 25 at 6:00 PM: “Thirteen Days in October: The Untold Cuban Missile Crisis Story
with Michael Tougias”
At the height of the Cold War, two things saved humanity: the strategic wisdom of John F. Kennedy and the U2 aerial spy program. Based on declassified intelligence and interviews with the pilots, Michael Tougias and co-author Casey Sherman's book Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission grounds this conversation about presidential decision-making, nuclear containment, intelligence-gathering, and public information. It's a timely topic given today's concerns about the United States, North Korea and Iran. Tougias gives special emphasis to the U-2 pilots who flew unarmed over Cuba to secure photographic proof that the Soviets were installing nuclear missiles on the Island.
Thursday, April 8 at 6:00 PM: “The Finest Hours: The True Story Behind the US Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue with Michael Tougias”
On February 18, 1952, an astonishing maritime event began when a ferocious nor'easter split in half a 500-foot-long oil tanker, the Pendleton, approximately one mile off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Incredibly, just twenty miles away, a second oil tanker, the Fort Mercer, also split in half. On both tankers’ men were trapped on the severed bows and sterns, and all four sections were sinking in 60-foot seas. Thus, began a life and death drama of survival, heroism, and a series of tragic mistakes. Of the 84 seamen aboard the tankers, 70 would be rescued and 14 would lose their lives. Michael Tougias, co-author of the book and soon-to-be Disney movie. The Finest Hours uses slides to illustrate the harrowing tale of the rescue efforts amidst towering waves and blinding snow in one of the most dangerous shoals in the world.
Saturday, April 17 at 1:00 PM: “Vietnam Video and Discussion – Diverse Perspective and Veteran Voices” with Aaron Blais
This Vietnam War film and discussion program utilizes short videos to prompt discussion about the Vietnam era. Content is culled from Ken Burns' and Lynn Novick's PBS documentary, THE VIETNAM WAR, which tells the story of one of the most consequential and divisive events in American history. The videos explore the human dimensions of war that still haunt us today. Witnesses from all sides give their personal testimonies-Americans who fought in the war, those who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam.
All lectures are free and will be held in the convenience of your home! All you need to do is RSVP at albacoremailcall@gmail.com and they will send you the Zoom link. It is that easy! Be sure to also visit https://www.nhhumanities.org/programs/upcoming for more opportunities for free lectures!
I regret to report that shipmate Conrad Aronson departed on Eternal Patrol on 27 January of this year. Conrad was an EN3 during the years ‘58-‘59 on Albacore. Also, shipmate George Horne went on Eternal Patrol December 6, 2019. George was an EM3 while serving on Albacore ‘58-‘60. Roland Hutchins, Jr departed on Eternal Patrol on 6 June, 2020. Finally, Richard Mazzur departed on Eternal Patrol on 8 May 2019.
Until next time, shipmate, stay safe and stay healthy. The vaccines are here!
Jack Hunter
11 Admiralty Drive, Apt 3
Middletown, RI 02842-6254
(401) 849-7282
“jhunter2007@cox.net